Culture | Meer

Leonid Pasternak (1862–1945), a renowned Russian painter and the father of the famous poet and translator Boris Pasternak, was closely associated with the celebrated author Leo Tolstoy, capturing intimate portraits of the literary giant during his lifetime

Leo Tolstoy’s failed project

Is it possible to capture ‘life as it is’?

Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan on one of his papal visits

Pope Francis’ prophetic voice still echoes in a peril planet

An environmental message endures as a moral call to action in the face of climate crisis

A pair of Ottoman children's slippers, 1860s-1880s

Ottoman education and the footwear deficit

The Imperial Tribal School at the turn of the twentieth century

A pair of glasses rests on an open map, alongside a passport from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, visually capturing the forced journeys and global scattering of Venezuelan exiles as they navigate new lives far from their homeland

Venezuelans: the unbreakable people

A personal reflection on what it means to lose a nation from within, and the defiant act of rebuilding identity and community abroad

An illustration of a couple on a date, enjoying a cozy and intimate moment together

The modern dating lexicon: from “Ick” to red flags

How relationship terms shape compatibility and attraction

A lone figure stands on a surreal landscape beneath an expansive, ethereal sky, perfectly encapsulating the journey from individual awakening and appreciation of life's miracles to profound reflections on human existence amidst global complexities and political clamor

Just another day

Finding serenity in a world of headlines

The intellect of possibilities: a vision beyond constraints

The chance for ethical intellectuality

A note on education, AI, and the future of human autonomy

Faces covered in a dark, glossy substance and partially bound by chains, powerfully evoke the historical and ongoing struggles against enslavement and betrayal

The enduring shadow of betrayal

Examining the historical echoes of "African Blood Betrayers" and their continued impact on the struggle for African unity and independence

Roberto Espeche, a man reborn (illustration by Paola Bilancieri)

An insatiable salesman

From a life-altering accident to inspiring thousands, discover the extraordinary perseverance of a man who never stops selling his story

Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1784, Louvre Museum, Paris, Oil of Canvas, 329.8 x 424.8 cm

Liberté: the birth of a revolutionary symbol

The transformation of Liberté from ancient goddess to revolutionary icon in French art

A face shrouded in smoke, showing a hint of human suffering and vulnerability

How do we decide what is human and what is monstrous?

Conventions are the basis of our humanity

A woman examines a picture of the moon's surface

Unveiling Ufology's leading ladies

Are we truly alone? Meet the women shaping ufology's future

A man staring at a board filled with colorful adhesive notes after a brainstorming session

The cause of death of the Agile methodology

How a promising theory fell from grace

A hand-made wooden cigar box, open to reveal a neatly arranged row of cigars with varied bands, alongside a silver cigar cutter

Cigar culture: a celebration of taste and time

Discovering a world of flavor, friendship, and affordable luxury

Château de Bresse-sur-Grosne stands in the heart of a quiet field—a mysterious and majestic presence in rural France

Eleanor Sleath and "The Orphan of the Rhine"

Gothic morality, religion, and rational sensibility

The Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan, features an ancient roof adorned with dragons, set against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and fluffy white clouds

Taiwan, Neptune in Aries: tales from the East

A journey through spiritual synchronicity and cultural wisdom in the wake of cosmic shifts

Front view of people from Christian and Muslim faiths praying together in unity

Α Eurasian voice and a Malaysian proverb

Humanity through philosophy, faith, and action

Akhenaten and Nefertiti seated, holding three of their daughters, under the rays of the sun god Aton

Akhenaten in Shanghai and the allure of the infamous

Reflecting on the mistaken judgments of history

Flames engulf the ruins of a once-thriving city, capturing the brutal aftermath of a world built on domination rather than cooperation

Civilization in crisis

Man-made society and nature’s ecosystem are suffering

George Town, Penang, Malaysia, street art in Penang: a man and mural

Multicultural coexistence in George Town

Sumay Cheah and Joël Lim Du Bois reflect on heritage, coexistence, and the creative spirit connecting Malaysia's diverse traditions

Inca and Mayan stone carvings featuring intricate designs and alchemical symbols

Poetics of conceptual space

Another space prior to the one outside us: the inner space

A Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister replica with a Lycoming IO-540 engine on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas, United States

Exploring the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, Texas

A fascinating journey through aviation history for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike

A man staring at a giant clock, watching as time goes by

The currency of life: the time of our lives

Challenging the systems that consume our days and rediscovering the true value of living

John Opie: "A Council Chamber" (The Night Brawl with Cassio and Roderigo / Disturbance of Othello and Desdemona from William Shakespeare's *Othello*, Act II, Scene iii)

Is Othello a sexist play?

Reading Shakespeare’s classics in the XXI century

Totem poles in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 2022

The past I offered to burn

Political, economic, and social offenses against the Indigenous peoples of North America

A marionete being displayed to represent how theatre influences our way of living

Living the theatre of life

Exploring the stage as a mirror of society and a voice for change

Our essence lies not in triumphs, but in its unfolding

Sapiognostic awakening: on the boundless human potential

A philosophical manifesto for a new civilizational design

A woman in Egypt practices her worship rituals inside her home during Ramadan, with the two prominent minarets in the distance belonging to the Al-Rifa'i Mosque in Cairo, Egypt

Ramadan in Egypt: a century of tradition and transformation

Egypt’s Ramadan customs that have evolved while preserving their cultural essence

The wrinkles on this elder's face tell a story of years lived with wisdom, a living testament to the timeless proverbs that guide Somali life and communication

The role of proverbs in Somali storytelling and daily life

Exploring the timeless wisdom and cultural significance of proverbs in shaping Somali identity and communication

Hands forming a heart, symbolizing peace, love, and the universal bond of humanity

The constitution of values

Blueprint to peace: shaping a world of unity through truth, love and respect

A group of black children playing with a ball on the street

American Fiction: satirical critique of black stereotypes

American Fiction or American Reality?

Three women stand resilient in the vast desert, embodying the spirit of Ahlam Mosteghanemi's literary exploration of identity and empowerment in the Arab world

Ahlam Mosteghanemi: feminism in Arabic literature

Exploring the depths of identity and love in her trilogy

Musée Ingres-Bourdelle, L'Arbre de la Liberté, Bernard Prosper Debia, The Tree of Liberty

Liberté, gender, and symbolism in revolutionary France

Reinterpreting the female form of Liberté

An astronaut floating on space with the Earth as background

The Pale Blue Dot

A cosmic perspective on our existence

A cartoon of a woman talking on a cell phone, lying on the floor, depicted as a meme

Power of memes: shaping communication and society

Cultural, political, and social impact of memes in the digital age

Ganesha the Hindu elephant god symbolizes protection and the removal of obstacles from one's path

The great Ganesh festival in India

A celebration of unity, devotion, and prosperity

Edinburgh, Scotland, is home to stunning Gothic architecture, showcasing its rich historical and cultural heritage

The gothic deception: fear and morality in Clermont

The Northanger Abbey horrid novels

A child sits with balloons in front of a wall of movie posters, Kolkata, WB, India

Transformative power of Bollywood on Indian culture

Bollywood's role in reflecting, challenging, and reshaping India's cultural landscape

Teenager experiencing cyberbullying on smartphone, feeling upset and isolated

The impact of social media on mental health

Importance of mental health awareness, access to care, and early intervention for a supportive future

Estevanico, shown in this painting, was renowned for his ability to communicate with Native American tribes, mastering several indigenous languages during his travels

Mustafa Al-Azmouri: the Moroccan who explored America

Uncovering the legacy of the explorer and how he shaped American history

Artemis with a hind, better known as "Diana of Versailles" as it was long exhibited in the Versailles Castle. Marble, Roman artwork, Imperial Era (1st-2nd centuries CE). Found in Italy

The gods of Greece and Rome

A way for kids to experience the allure and drama of ancient Rome

Sculputure of the God Vishnu in Sheshnarayan Temple, near Kathmandu, Nepal

The birth of Indian iconography

A deep dive into symbolism and artistry

A man is feeding birds in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, amidst the city's lively atmosphere

A conversation on heritage, art, and identity in George Town

Utopia or practicable reality

Smiling commuters sitting in an airport waiting area

The top benefits of business travel

Travel boosts company success, strengthens relationships, and growth

In 1934, in a Kazakh school within the Soviet Socialist Republic of Uzbekistan (SSRU), students gathered in a modest classroom, their lessons shaped by the rapidly changing political landscape of the time

The unbreakable spirit of central Kazakhstan

When the past serves as a compass for understanding

Shibuya Crossing, filmed and replicated in media countless times, Tokyo, Japan

A mirror to modern living: cities as cinematic muses

Keepers of time in our modern civilization

A group of people sharing the same space but removed from each other

A fractured society

Loneliness and isolation as a result of the loss of sociability

Morpheus, painted by Jean-Bernard Restout, depicts the Greek god of dreams in a captivating and ethereal portrayal, capturing the essence of the god's role in the realm of sleep and imagination

Why do we dream?

Ancient and modern answers to the age-old question

Three tanks moving across a barren landscape, suggesting a scene of conflict or military action

War and peace: a cycle of change in social systems

An analysis from the universal principles and laws of energy and matter

A man in a virtual reality helmet, isolated from the world

The age of the ‘chat-demic’

We need a new way of experiencing the world and one another

In the dim glow of his phone, a man searches for connection, but the quiet room around him reflects the hollowness of digital intimacy

Echoes of solitude in a digital world

Loneliness, hope’s absence, and the cost of modern life

Hands typing on a laptop, with a virtual world map in the background, symbolize virtual interaction, social connection, and the power of digital communication

The power and pitfalls of online communities

Benefits, types, and challenges of online communities in fostering social relationships

A portrait of a lonely, sad woman sitting on the side of the motorway, symbolizing isolation and emotional turmoil

Femcelcore: sad, lonely, and unsteady?

The femcel movement and its evolving cultural influence

A vodou altar, syncretized with Catholic elements

The power of Vodou

A force for resistance, rebellion, and revolution

Colorful rendition of England's most celebrated and influential writer, William Shakespeare

Food and symbolism in Shakespeare

How food and drinks reflected power, class, and politics in his plays

A grayscale photo of a man and woman holding hands, symbolizing connection and unity

Blueprint to peace

A call to reclaim humanity’s true purpose

Execution de Marie-Antoinette, veuve de Louis Capet, sur la place de la Révolution

Liberté: the evolving symbol of the French Revolution

From nurturing figure to revolutionary icon

As social beings, we are confined by our relationship with others

Facing and transforming powerlessness and frustration

How time has led to changes in the way we deal with problems

Facade of Tirumala Venkateshwar garbhagriha in the background, India

Tirupati Balaji temple: a spiritual journey to Lord Vishnu

The rich history, architectural marvels, and profound significance of the world's most visited Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh

Marie-Éléonore Godefroid (1778–1849): Scheherazade and Shahryar

The allure of The Arabian Nights

Storytelling, morality, and the supernatural in the 18th century

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, stands as a symbol of resilience, its ancient stone columns bathed in the warm glow of a Berlin sunset, reminding us of the city's journey from division to unity

Berlin: a journey through power and reconciliation

Exploring Germany’s divided past and its lessons for today

The Birthday of Plato Celebrated in the Villa di Careggi by Lorenzo the Magnificent

A simplified model of social dementia

A guide to progress though mitigation of societal vulnerability

Annibale Carracci (1560–1609), The Choice of Heracles

Resilience: Maya's journey and the trials of Heracles

Exploring the transformative power of perseverance in mythology and modern life

A cheerful woman sits in a cozy café, engrossed in a book, radiating warmth and joy as she enjoys her peaceful moment surrounded by the inviting ambiance

How moving to Ireland unveiled my passion for writing

From Irish literature to discovering my voice and career in journalism

The Voyager Golden Records are two identical phonograph records which were included aboard the two Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977

The Haiduk’s path: from the Balkans to Antarctica and beyond

How did the Haiduks become heroes from being outlaws?

An illustration of Imam al-Bukhari, the renowned Islamic scholar, depicted with his scholarly attire, deeply immersed in the study and compilation of hadiths

Imam al-Bukhari: preserving the prophetic teachings

Legacy of the scholar who shaped Islamic knowledge through dedication and divine blessings

A young Korean woman stands on a subway train, gazing directly at the camera, surrounded by other commuters

The unspoken skill of nunchi

A blessing and a curse of South Korean society

A human hand cradling a transparent globe, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity and Earth's resources

Law of human sustainability and the Princonser method

Human sustainability as a manifestation of universal essence

Artistic rendition of our own consciousness

An unperceivable perception

Exploring the elusive moments where mind and soul merge

"Old Hong Kong mahjong" is the most commonly known version of mahjong

Self-care & a game of Mahjong

It’s fun, cognitively beneficial and much easier to learn than bridge

Jürgen Habermas during a discussion in the Munich School of Philosophy, Germany

The public sphere: from salons to modern discourse

Structural transformations of public sphere according Habermas

Hercules and Cerberus: Hercules grasps the collar of Cerberus by Antonio Tempesta

Hercules' twelfth labor: drawing strength from final triumph

Navigating life's challenges with courage, adaptability, and resilience

A woman protesting outdoors symbolizes the shift toward grassroots activism

The shift away from celebrity culture

How economic hardship and skepticism redefine fame and activism

View of the Santa Fe skyline from the La Concordia market hall in Bogotá, Colombia.

Embracing resilience: Keyshaun Scott in Colombia

A journey of growth, language, and community development

A Royal Palace in Morocco by Benjamin Jean Joseph

The dark allure of orientalism in Beckford’s Vathek

Intersection of sensuality, horror, and superstition in 18th-century gothic and orientalist literature

A radiant bride and groom celebrating a traditional Kumaoni wedding, adorned in vibrant attire and cultural splendor

Weddings in Kumaon Himalayas: stairway to heaven

Uttarakhand’s century’s old “Sanatani Sanskars” and Wedding vows finds reflection in Pahadi weddings

John Keats was an English poet of the second generation of Romantic poets, along with Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley

Keats’ “A thing of beauty is a joy forever” unveiled

Exploring the meaning and enduring impact of Keats’ famous line on beauty and joy

The stunning Moroccan tiles and intricate artistry of the mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, reflect the deep reverence Moroccans have for their sacred places during Ramadan, where spirituality and culture intertwine

The sanctity of Ramadan in the hearts of Moroccans

Sacred traditions and spiritual practices of Ramadan in Moroccan culture

A hand holding a small light against a backdrop of little lights, weaker than a single illuminating focus, but plural and decentralized

The seeds of Illuminism 2.0

Understanding and navigating the complexities of a new era of thought

A person gently cradles a small globe in both hands, symbolizing a deep connection to the world and a commitment to global awareness and cultural understanding

The role of culture in identity and social cohesion

Exploring cultural diversity's impact on identity and community

Cover art of the ''Sun City'' single

They would not play Sun City, and they changed the world.

40 years ago Steven Van Zandt and other performers took a stand against apartheid.

Cornelis van Haarlem (1562–1638), The Hesperides Filling the Cornucopia

Heracles' eleventh labor: modern triumph blueprint

How Heracles' mythic journey inspires modern problem-solving and ethical decision-making

Zulu women share laughter and stories as they craft vibrant beads and intricate straw baskets, passing down cultural heritage to their children

Reviving isiZulu: a South African linguistic renaissance

Discover the global impact and cultural pride of the popular language today

Inspiration bridges the chasm between potentiality and actuality, where human subjectivity intertwines with the cosmos of possibilities

The role of inspiration in designing a future civilization

How shifting from control to enablement can transform society and foster true innovation

Hercules kills the giant Cacus and steals Geryoneus' cattle, Giovan Battista Langetti (1625–1676)

Hercules' tenth labor: timeless wisdom for today's trials

Empowering resilience, resourcefulness, and fearlessness in modern struggles

Scenic aerial view of Ohrid, North Macedonia, nestled amidst mountains and overlooking Lake Ohrid on a bright sunny day

A. Den Doolaard's influence on Dutch-Macedonian relations

How Dutch literature impacted Ohrid's tourism industry

Mary Tisdal Reading, by Angelica Kauffmann, Joslyn Art Museum, USA

Sensibility and reason in "The memoirs of Emma Courtney"

Passion, morality, and the pursuit of virtue in Mary Hayes' 18th century novel

Female scientist with hijab posing in the lab

Women's rights and roles in Islam: past and present views

The evolving role of women in Islam, from historical reforms to modern-day challenges in education, marriage, politics, and work

Portrait of a fox, from ''Brehm's Life of animals a complete natural history for popular home instruction and for the use of schools''

The wild woman and the natural predator of the psyche

Women who run with the wolves

A visual representation of the constant pressures of technology, information overload, and the fast-paced demands of modern life

The "world in tilt": overall exhaustion

The emotional and psychological toll of living in a world that demands immediate responses

Largest Warli Art Wall Painting in India at The Manik Public School, Maniknagar, Karnataka by Avanti Sandeep Kulkarni

India's tribal cultures: traditions and challenges

Exploring the heritage and contributions of indigenous communities

The timeless allure of a Heracles statue, embodying strength and heroism, as a captivating centerpiece for any collection or display

Heracles' ninth labor: insights for modern challenges

Drawing wisdom from mythical deception and impulsive actions for today's world

The rays cutting through the darkness serve as a poignant metaphor for the search for truth in a world where faith can be both a refuge and a tool for power

Exploitation of spirituality: power and profit in religion

Exploring the commercial and political exploitation of faith in modern society

A human silhouette and nature

Social conditioning and redicovering our true nature

The struggle to reconnect with our true selves and the existence

Cultivating our minds moves us closer to universal wisdom

The importance of ideals

Fundamentals for achieving balance and universal wisdom

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